When There’s A Wilson, There’s A Way

The early 80’s were a great time for the Phillies. So have been the past few years. On a night where the Phils had their 80’s Retro night, Wilson Valdez provided the fans with a Thriller as the A-Team Phillies beat the D’Backs 3-2 in extra innings for the sweep. The Phils have won eight straight and 11 in their own park, a streak that has helped bring the Phils to a 2.5 deficit of the Braves after being down seven games at the start of the streak.

Kyle Kendrick pitched another fantastic start but lost his winning decision when Ryan Madson gave up a run in the ninth. Kendrick went 6 1/3 innings while allowing a run on four hits and three walks while striking out five. Madson was charged for the run but Romero blew the save. Jose Contreras pitched the 11th and got the win after Brad Lidge struck out two in a 1-2-3 10th inning.

Valdez was the hero. Starting in place of the injured Jimmy Rollins, Valdez went 3-for-5 from the eight-spot, including the RBI single in the 11th to drive in Cody Ransom to win the game. Carlos Ruiz and Ransom each added a pair of hits.

The Phillies got on the board first in the fifth inning when Ruiz drove in Ransom. Then Raul Ibanez hit a solo homer in the sixth inning. Kendrick’s night then ended in the seventh a batter after Miguel Montero’s solo homer with one out. Montero then drove in the game tying run in the ninth.